Reproach
/rɪˈproʊtʃ/noun
To express disapproval of someone or something, especially by blaming or criticizing.
Did you know?Its deepest root is tied to the idea of throwing something back at someone, and in medieval usage it could mean not just blame, but a social wound to honor.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*perk-
“to strike, beat, or hit”
Latin
Latin
procare
“to call forth, summon, or publicly call out”
Old French
Old French
reprochier
“to blame, upbraid, accuse publicly”
Middle English
English
reprochen
“to accuse, rebuke, or bring shame upon”
Modern English
English
reproach
“to express disapproval or blame toward someone”
Explore more surprising origins